Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the name of the character trapped in the well?
What is the name of the character trapped in the well?
Virgil (Virgilio) Salinas
What is Chet Bullen's nickname?
What is Chet Bullen's nickname?
The Bull
Name the girl who is deaf but can still talk.
Name the girl who is deaf but can still talk.
Valencia Somerset
Who is the author of Hello, Universe?
Who is the author of Hello, Universe?
Which character gets a snake bite in the woods?
Which character gets a snake bite in the woods?
How old is Virgil Salinas?
How old is Virgil Salinas?
What is the nickname Virgil's family gave him?
What is the nickname Virgil's family gave him?
Who helped Virgil out of the well?
Who helped Virgil out of the well?
What was the name of Virgil's hamster?
What was the name of Virgil's hamster?
Which character calls Virgil 'Retard'?
Which character calls Virgil 'Retard'?
Who helped Chet with his snake bite?
Who helped Chet with his snake bite?
What did Chet call Valencia?
What did Chet call Valencia?
What was Valencia's fake name when she met Kaori?
What was Valencia's fake name when she met Kaori?
What was the name of Valencia's guinea pig?
What was the name of Valencia's guinea pig?
Who was Virgil's best friend?
Who was Virgil's best friend?
What was Kaori's sister's name?
What was Kaori's sister's name?
Which character was a psychic?
Which character was a psychic?
Which character switches hobbies often?
Which character switches hobbies often?
Why did Virgil go down the well?
Why did Virgil go down the well?
Why was Chet in the woods?
Why was Chet in the woods?
What does Virgil Salinas call his grandmother?
What does Virgil Salinas call his grandmother?
What does Lola call Virgil?
What does Lola call Virgil?
Where did Lola live before moving to the US?
Where did Lola live before moving to the US?
What are the names of Virgil's older brothers?
What are the names of Virgil's older brothers?
Why did Virgil's parents call him Turtle?
Why did Virgil's parents call him Turtle?
What did Valencia write that said 'Hello'?
What did Valencia write that said 'Hello'?
What do the children leave behind in the well that will shine in that dark place?
What do the children leave behind in the well that will shine in that dark place?
How did Valencia get her wish to be an explorer?
How did Valencia get her wish to be an explorer?
Why does Valencia admire her texts at the end of the day?
Why does Valencia admire her texts at the end of the day?
Who texts Valencia 'Hello' at 12:33am?
Who texts Valencia 'Hello' at 12:33am?
What did Virgil have the courage to tell his mom after he was rescued from the well?
What did Virgil have the courage to tell his mom after he was rescued from the well?
Who followed Virgil home after he was rescued from the well?
Who followed Virgil home after he was rescued from the well?
What did Virgil realize about his home when he first walked into it after being rescued?
What did Virgil realize about his home when he first walked into it after being rescued?
What did Virgil say to Chet after he called him retardo?
What did Virgil say to Chet after he called him retardo?
How was Virgil finally able to reach the ladder and climb out of the well?
How was Virgil finally able to reach the ladder and climb out of the well?
What three things does Virgil tell himself he will do differently if he is ever rescued?
What three things does Virgil tell himself he will do differently if he is ever rescued?
What question does Ruby tell Bayani is the worst question in the world?
What question does Ruby tell Bayani is the worst question in the world?
What does Kaori believe with all of her heart about names?
What does Kaori believe with all of her heart about names?
What idea did Gen have about NOT needing a snakeskin stone?
What idea did Gen have about NOT needing a snakeskin stone?
What reasons did Valencia give Chet for why he was not bitten by a poisonous snake?
What reasons did Valencia give Chet for why he was not bitten by a poisonous snake?
What name does Ruby call Virgil?
What name does Ruby call Virgil?
Why does Lola tell Virgil it is important to say things out loud?
Why does Lola tell Virgil it is important to say things out loud?
Why does Ruby tell Bayani crying is good for the soul?
Why does Ruby tell Bayani crying is good for the soul?
Why does Virgil hate crying?
Why does Virgil hate crying?
What did Virgil's parents and brothers always tease him about?
What did Virgil's parents and brothers always tease him about?
What did Virgil think Lola's hands felt like?
What did Virgil think Lola's hands felt like?
Why did Valencia say they wouldn't be able to find a snakeskin agate in the woods?
Why did Valencia say they wouldn't be able to find a snakeskin agate in the woods?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Main Characters
- Virgil Salinas: 11-year-old Filipino-American boy, nicknamed "Turtle" by his family
- Valencia Somerset: Deaf and can talk, has a guinea pig named Liliput
- Kaori Tanaka: A psychic, has a sister named Gen Tanaka
- Chet Bullens (The Bull): A bully, nicknamed "The Bull"
- Virgil's grandmother (Lola): Filipino, has a strong influence on Virgil
Plot
- Virgil's guinea pig, Gulliver, is thrown into a well by Chet, and Virgil goes down to rescue it
- Virgil gets trapped in the well, and Valencia and Kaori try to rescue him
- Chet gets a snake bite in the woods and is helped by Valencia
- Virgil is finally rescued, and he and Valencia develop a connection
Character Development
- Virgil: Overcomes his fears, stands up to his mother, and develops confidence
- Valencia: Helps others, develops her skills, and finds her sense of adventure
- Kaori: A supportive friend, has a strong sense of intuition
- Chet: A bully who learns from his mistakes, but still has some negative traits
- Lola: A wise and loving grandmother who teaches Virgil valuable lessons
Themes
- Overcoming fears and anxiety
- Importance of friendship and supporting others
- Embracing one's identity and uniqueness
- Dealing with bullying and standing up for oneself
- The power of self-expression and speaking one's truth
Symbols
- The well: Represents Virgil's fears and anxieties, as well as his growth and transformation
- The snake: Represents Chet's mistakes and his ability to learn from them
- The pink jump rope: Symbolizes hope and friendship
- The name "Bayani": Means "brave" or "hero," representing Virgil's growth and bravery
Other Key Facts
- Virgil's parents call him "Turtle" because he wouldn't "come out of his shell"
- Valencia has a fake name, "Just Rene," when she meets Kaori
- Kaori believes it's critical to feel empowered by one's name
- Lola tells Virgil that speaking out loud allows you to let things go
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
